Workshops

The malaise of the EU - Managing transnational organisation on a European level

In this workshop, the participants are instructed to visualize the current organization of the EU – the trilogy of the Council of the European Union, Commission and Parliament – as well as to analyse the assigned tasks and competences of these institutions. A similar demonstration and study is done regarding the institutions of their home country. In a direct comparison of both systems, and keeping in mind the transnational character of European governance, the participants become aware of the deficiencies of the actual EU organizational structure and they then work out their own characteristics for a new conception of European governance.

Res publica: History of Ideas

Res publica, the public good, is a guiding principle of European political thought. During the 3000 years of its existence it has repeatedly formed the basis for the formation of peoples' common institutions within transnational empires, medieval territorial communities and emerging nation states. In this workshop, students familiarize themselves with the philosophical and historical implications underlying the Republic and identify elements thereof on the national and European level of this day. Eventually, students discuss the possibility of establishing a transnational republic in Europe.

Home, regions & identity - Perceptions and belonging in an interconnected world

In this workshop, participants reflect on their sense of belonging while cultural characteristics and differences within their home country are discussed. In the second part of the workshop students familiarize themselves with the fluidity of borders on the European continent and contextualize the position of their own country within this evolution. Students then consider multi-level governance with particular regard to the European regions and critically evaluate alternative ways that centre on local and regional self-governance.

EUROPE 2045 is a workshop series, which seeks to initiate fresh thinking about our attitude towards cooperation between European countries and more broadly, our conception of what Europe is.

We believe that the European Union as a form of political organization as well as much of Europe's shared history is not adequately covered in school and university curricula throughout the continent. Dominated by national overtones, our common history of political organization and dialogue is hardly discussed, future generations are not encouraged to participate in a discourse on Europe's current form, and more importantly: its future course.

Telling our common story is essential to revitalize constructive conversations about the future of Europe, and the EU.

Our workshops are designed for secondary and higher level education and can be easily integrated into different disciplines and subjects. An interdisciplinary approach, particularly for high school students, provides the opportunity to cooperate over the regular curricula and reach students regardless of their usual subject preferences.

Our brief sessions are taught by a diverse team of trained young Europeans and aim at providing perspectives on Europe that are rarely covered in national curricula. All of our teachers have lived in another EU Member State for at least one year, speak at least two European languages fluently and are intensively trained by the European Democracy Lab to deliver high quality workshops that make a lasting impact and encourage individual reflection on Europe and the EU. We currently offer three different workshops which can be individually adjusted and approach our continent from distinct perspectives.

If you’re interested in having us in your classroom, please send an email to info@eudemlab.org